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Lesson 2 - Throwing at Moving Targets

Skill Mastery & Sportsmanship

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Year 6

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Dodgeball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we improve our accuracy when throwing at targets that are constantly moving?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate throwing techniques when targeting moving opponents
To understand and apply tactical awareness in throwing situations
To demonstrate fair play and honest self-assessment in competitive activities

Key Outcomes

Students will accurately throw at moving targets using appropriate technique
Students will analyse their performance and suggest specific improvements
Students will apply tactical throwing strategies in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Dodgeball

Ensure balls are properly inflated and safe for throwing

Alternative: Foam balls, soft playground balls

Cones

Use to mark boundaries and distances clearly

Alternative: Marker spots, chalk lines

Measuring Tapes

For measuring 7m throwing distances accurately

Alternative: Marked court lines, pacing

Key Vocabulary

Follow-through

Continuing the throwing motion after releasing the ball, with hand pointing towards target

Anticipation

Predicting where a moving target will be and throwing ahead of their current position

Trajectory

The curved path the ball takes through the air from thrower to target

Feint

A deceptive movement or fake throw to trick the opponent

Evasion

Quick movements to avoid being hit by a thrown ball

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills from previous year groups
Understanding of personal space and movement patterns
Experience with target throwing at stationary objects

Current Skills

Throwing accurately at moving targets
Following through with throwing action
Anticipating target movement patterns
Self-assessment and reflection on performance

Next Steps

Advanced dodgeball game strategies
Team coordination and communication in invasion games
Leadership roles in competitive activities

Milestone Indicators

Consistently hits moving targets from 7m distance

Demonstrates proper follow-through technique

Shows tactical awareness in game situations

Provides constructive feedback to peers

Key Teaching Points

Follow-through with hand pointing at target is essential for accuracy
When throwing at moving targets, aim slightly ahead of where they're going
Aiming for feet makes balls harder to catch and increases success rate
Feinting can effectively wrong-foot opponents and create opportunities
Honest acknowledgement of hits is crucial for fair and enjoyable games
Proper body positioning and footwork enhance throwing power and accuracy
Tactical awareness develops through experience and reflection

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Throwing harder always means more accurate' - Correction: Control and technique matter more than power
Misconception: 'You should aim where the target is now' - Correction: Need to lead moving targets by throwing ahead
Misconception: 'All throwing techniques work equally well' - Correction: Different situations require different approaches
Misconception: 'Follow-through doesn't matter after ball release' - Correction: Follow-through guides accuracy and builds muscle memory
Misconception: 'Catching a throw counts as a hit' - Correction: Only direct hits without catches count in dodgeball

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear focus, immediate feedback, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable activity transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game rules, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Seated throwing options, modified distances, larger/softer balls, adapted game rules to include all

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring 7m distances accurately, calculating throwing angles and trajectories, keeping score and statistics

Science

Understanding forces and motion in throwing, projectile motion and gravity effects, biomechanics of throwing action

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding angles and directions, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Fair play and honesty, conflict resolution, teamwork and cooperation, respect for rules and others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly around teaching area to observe all groups, position at corners for maximum visibility during game activities

Observation Focus

Watch for follow-through technique, anticipation skills, fair play, and safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe throwing, provide technique reminders during practice, mediate any disputes about hits

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show follow-through, demonstrate lead throwing with moving targets, model excellent sporting behaviour

Verbal Cues

•'Follow through and point at your target!'
•'Throw where they're going, not where they are!'
•'Aim for the feet to make catching difficult!'
•'Well done for honest acknowledgement of that hit!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space for multiple throwing groups and game activities

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check dodgeballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify adequate number of balls to prevent fighting over equipment

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or face from hard throws
•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Slips and falls during quick directional changes
•Overexertion from intense throwing activities

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise aiming for feet and body, never head
•Maintain adequate spacing between activity groups
•Use appropriate ball types for age group
•Regular rotation to prevent fatigue
•Clear boundaries and throwing lanes
•Immediate stoppage for any unsafe behaviour

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all throwing activities
•Monitor intensity levels and adjust as needed
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure fair play and honest acknowledgement of hits

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess any injury, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident report if necessary